BOSTON – Some good lines as switch-thrower Pat Venditte was traveling from Nashville to Boston, where he’ll join the A’s and become a big-leaguer for the first time: Bullpen coach Scott Emerson on how …

Bob Melvin drew up a new lineup for tonight’s homestand opener. Two points. Billy Butler is starting at first base for the first time, and Marcus Semien is leading off for the first time. Here’s why. …